It was the third and final day of the trip. Everyone was making sure to get anything else they had left out done.
Namine was seated in the hotel's lobby, texting Futaba. The girl being naturally curious to know what presents they got her. Apparently, she could have checked at the time but hadn't wanted to ruin the surprise and so had turned the program connecting her through Namine's phone off. But this lead to...
Futaba: Aw, come on! I really wanna know!
Namine: You're just going to have to find out later.
Futaba: ...Fine. Oh, I'm almost done with the data by the way.
Namine: Really? So it was that big?
Futaba: Yup, there were a lot of details...I actually forgot about it until I read that stuff but there were even mentions of the protests.
Namine: Wait, what protests?
Futaba: Oh yeah, you wouldn't know...see, a while after the shutdowns started a couple of years ago, a few people really got upset. The police was still at a big loss back then and the fear was especially bad at the time so they rallied up a crowd and decided to try to do something. I guess it was about making their voices heard. Not that it really did much in the end. I'm not sure what happened right after that but things calmed down.
That was curious, Namine could understand people being upset enough to do such a thing. Especially if one considered that the continuing shutdowns might be looked at as a failure on the government's part so the protest could be a way of inciting them to take action. But for the results to wind up like this...she could only wonder what happened.
The girl was distracted upon hearing some excited talk nearby, making her notice Ryuji and Mishima walking over. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying but apparently they were making plans for the day...
Her phone buzzed again and she found another text from Futaba.
Futaba: Think they'll be looking to score dates again?
Namine: No...at least I hope they won't. It'd be a shame to spend all the time on just that.
Futaba: True, true...Mona doesn't think they learned their lesson. He says they're likely to flop again.
Namine: Of course he does...
She happened to note the boys admiring an older girl talking to one of the bell boys and shook her head slightly.
Futaba: We might be looking a lost cause.
Namine: Well, one can only hope you're wrong...
The burgundy haired girl went for a walk, taking a few pictures along the way. After stopping to check out a shop and continuing on her way, Namine happened to notice Yusuke, who had apparently had an idea similar to hers. After exchanging greetings, the two began walking together.
''I thought to use this time to clear my mind.'' Yusuke started. ''I've also made a point to take some pictures. They were inspiring, and it helps that Futaba may not let me hear the end of it if I didn't at least try.''
Namine looked amused ''I can imagine...we were actually just talking...''
The artist was bewildered when she finished retelling some of their previous talk ''She actually hacked your phone...? I have to agree with you all, having someone with Futaba's potential as an enemy would be dangerous.''
''Yeah, let's be thankful she's our friend.'' Namine nodded. ''So how's everything going?''
''Well enough. I've been taking time to think about many things-including my motvation for art. Returning the paintings Madarame took was much harder than I ever imagined and even with our attempts, there were many more left with the police. But Natsu-san and a few other former students promised to see to it. Actually, Natsu-san recommended a consultant to me. One who had apparently helped him sort out his feelings after all that happened.'' Yusuke explained.
''Did you go to this consultant?''
''Yes, I didn't expect much but he was rather friendly and welcoming. It was surprisingly helpful over all.'' The artist admitted. ''It helped me realize that your suspicions may have been very well-founded. I have been forcing myself in my pursuit of inspiration, which was likely why I have yet to be satisfied by any piece I drew lately. My scope was indeed far too limited, it's no wonder the Desire painting turned out to be a failure.''
''Well, you're making some progress. Realizing there was a problem in the first place is what you need to start fixing it. You still love art even after all what happened, I think that's good. This whole situation has to be complicated-I mean Madarame basically raised you. That's not something one can ignore. But you're still trying, you want to learn and improve. I think that effort will definitely pay off.'' Namine stated.
Yusuke chuckled ''I'd like to believe so as well, still...thank you. I always did like your perspective. It has been helpful for me and I'm glad I have you and the others to support me.'' The examples that came to his mind of his friends' support at once were Ryuji's attempts to help him find a part-time job, which thankfully worked nicely. Ann, Makoto and Shiho's advice and attempt to help him find a better subject like the time at the park. And of course there was Namine's continuing support. He was ever so grateful to have met them.
''Hey, that's what friends are for.'' Namine pointed out. ''I think that...even if we mess up at times, so long as we keep trying to move forward, we can succeed. We've each got our own perspective, our own experiences...but by working together we can get something great. Besides, your own perspective really did help me.'' At his surprised look, she added. ''Well, I thought I just couldn't enjoy music like I used to for a long time. It was your idea that I try singing in Leblanc, remember? It was really nice...I never realized that it could still make me feel that way before. I've been thinking about getting back to it, try singing some more or even just look for music lessons and stuff. I guess I really missed it after all. I've been doing a lot of thinking myself. It definitely feels like I've been much better off in quite some time. So in our own ways, we're making progress.''
He couldn't help but smile. After all, he'd been hoping for as much ever since he learned the true extent of Namine's situation. Especially after witnesssing her joy happy that day in Leblanc. The fact that he'd actually helped her that way was nice to hear. ''Ah, you just made my day with those words. And I couldn't agree more, the road ahead may be difficult but that is why success will be all the more gratifying in the end.''
Namine smiled back ''Yup, I'd say that about sums it up nicely.''
Mishima sat down with a sigh, kicking himself for going along with Ryuji again. He considered the ex-athlete a friend but he was just asking himself why on earth he let the boy talk him into going along with his plans again.
After a round of games at the hotel, they'd gone surfing and he didn't mind that despite having a somewhat hard time with it. He could even take Ryuji's good-natured ribbing over the times he wound up falling off the board, the ex-athlete wasn't much to talk seeing as he had a similar problem on his board.
They'd gotten to do a few other fun things, even a volley ball game with a few other second year students. And it was nice to actually play the game after so long just for fun and not fret about people like Kamoshida.
But then Ryuji had happened to see a couple of beautiful girls and he'd decided to try flirting again, only to fail. He'd just insisted that he didn't want to think the attempts of the previous days were all for naught. But then he kept trying to drag him into it and the day just got worse from there...
''Long day, huh?''
He blinked at the voice, looking up to find ''Namine-san!''
The girl gave a small smile ''Hi. I wondered what you guys got up to...By the look on your face though, it's better just not to ask, huh?''
''Yeah, please don't. Oh and next time I let Sakamoto drag me into one of his plans, can you remind of this day?''
She laughed a bit ''Duly noted. Dropping the subject then?''
He nodded ''For the record, Sakamoto's plans suck. And whatever he tells you later, he's lousy at surfing.''
''Well, on the plus side, you must have plenty of blackmail material by now.''
''Haha, true!'' They shared amused looks. "Anyway, what were you doing?''
''Just checking out the sights, as nice as the beach is, I want to take in as much of this place as I can.'' Namine replied. ''Besides, we agreed to take a bunch of pictures to show everyone back home. I know Shiho would like those pictures.''
''Oh yeah, Suzui-san's good at photography, right?'' Mishima recalled. ''It would've been nice if she was here. You know how we were talking about the Phantom Thieves' fame before? Well, I got to checking the Phan-Site and you wouldn't believe how many new request there were. I mean there are still some ridiculous ones but it isn't a problem. Looks like things are going to get busy.''
''Well, make sure you don't overdo it. You look like you're pretty busy with the site already.'' Namine cautioned, unknowingly surprising the boy, who hadn't assumed that it was apparent. ''If there's some kind of trouble...''
The boy smiled, touched by her concern ''No worries, Namine-san, I can totally handle it but thanks!''
''Oh, I saw that...'' Makoto smiled when Namine told her a bit about her encounters today. ''...they were actually kind of hard to miss with Ryuji being that excited. I found out around the time I heard people talking about some nice entertainment. Though to be fair to them, it isn't exactly easy to learn either...''
''You can say that again...'' The girls exchanged rueful smiles at the thought of their own attempt to learn surfing the previous day.
''I'm glad you've decided to take up your old hobby again.'' The brunette went on. ''After all that's happened, I understand why you put it off but this is a good step forward.''
''Mm, guess I've had some pretty mixed feelings over it for a while but that's a thing of the past.'' And to think just a few months ago, she never thought she would feel so good. She'd been so sad, hurt and confused but with her grandparents' help, things had begun looking up. But even then after what she'd lost, she needed time to feel better. With all that happened, with the people she came to know, she was certainly moving forward. And it felt great.
''Does this mean we can expect a performance soon? Maybe you can try at school for example.''
''Erm, I don't know about that last part...singing for you guys was fine but...''
Makoto decided to take what she could get ''Fair enough. Just keep it in mind. After all, given how well you did in Leblanc I think it'd be a shame not to let such talent out in the open.''
''T-thanks, Makoto...''
Ann smiled in satisfaction as she snapped up a picture of the sunset sky ''Perfect!''
''Oh, hey Ann!''
She turned slightly, noticing Ryuji approaching then. ''Hey, what're you doing there?''
''I was thinkin' about trying out that stuff.'' He pointed to a truck not too far away, its label reading that it sold garlic shrimp.
Ann raised an eye ''Garlic shrimp?''
''Yeah, it's a first for me too. Wanna try it out?'' Ryuji inquired.
''Sure.''
With that, the two went and made their order. In minutes, the owner wrapped things up and handed it over. ''Here you are!''
The two thanked him and made their payment, Ann decided to try a piece ''Mm... this is pretty good!''
The man seemed pleased to hear this ''Isn't it? I've been selling my special recipe like hot cakes. They're even a big hit with a whole bunch of tourists like you. You're part of that school which set up over in the hotel over there, right?'' The two confirmed and he went on. ''So you definitely know something about the Phantom Thieves-do you believe in them?''
''Totally, do you?'' Ryuji asked in return.
''Sure do! The vigilantes who stormed Japan out of the blue one day-they're pretty popular around these parts. Everyone's raring to see what they'll do next. I got a bunch of customers today who are fans-it sounds like even people here leave them messages on that board of theirs now.''
''Cool!'' The ex-athlete was certainly happy to hear it. This meant they made that much of a good impression on people, things have really been looking up for them.
Ann was just as glad, for this was a reminder that despite the dissenters, there were still those who had faith in them.
The truck owner must have picked up on their mood because he grinned ''I'm guessing you're big fans, huh?''
''Let's just say we've been in a position to really appreciate what they do for others.'' Ann returned carefully.
''Gotcha, they really have been making waves.'' He nodded. Ryuji picked up the plate and the two headed off.
He eyed the food uncertainly as they sat at a bench ''...Is it really all that good?''
''Oh, so you were just fine with that pineapple pizza but now you chicken out?'' Ann teased. ''I guess you're only good with food that involve meat in some way, huh?''
Ryuji harrumphed ''What do you know...fine, I'll try one out now!'' He quickly grabbed and ate a piece, his face lighting up after a few moments. ''Whoa...okay never mind, that guy knows his stuff!''
''That's more like it. When you get a chance like this trip, you should make the most of it and try out all sorts of things. You don't know what you'd miss otherwise.''
''I guess so...this trip had a bunch of stuff from back home but we still wound up making it special in a way.'' Ryuji mused.
''That's just what I mean.'' The model leaned back. ''...You know, I never thought things would turn out like this. My expectations after entering Shujin were pretty much at an all-time low. Having someone like Shiho there for me made it a whole lot better. I thought there could be more people who wouldn't judge me based on appearances-back in our old school, there were more like Shiho and you but in Shujin...''
He held back a grimace ''Yeah, I heard some of the talk...I thought it was real stupid...I even considered going back and catching up with you two.''
Ann blinked, not expecting that ''...Then why didn't you?''
''Well...I guess things got busy and ahh...I'm not makin' excuses.'' He amended. ''Let's just say after what Kamoshida did, I wasn't exactly expecting to find any friends.''
''Ah...'' That was understandable, things might be a lot better now in general but there was no denying the damage done. ''...well, you shouldn't have let that stop you...is what I might have said, but I get where you're coming from.''
They did both have their own troubling labels to deal with, the one who ruined the track team and the other assumed to be Kamoshida's girlfriend. Those came with an set of complications neither knew how to handle at the time.
''I don't know how Namine does it...'' Ann began to smile as she found the girl in question near the ocean, running away from Haru with Hifumi as the heiress tried to splash them both. An amused Makoto watched as the three laughed through the whole thing. ''...look how they treated her and yet she just remained true to herself. And it turns out she's a brilliant friend for all of us.''
Ryuji chuckled, having expressed similar sentiments in the past ''Tell me about it. She's somethin' else, all right.''
''Mmhm, I guess you really never know what life would bring...''
''Hey, be happy! Look at how far we've come, you're becoming a pretty big name in the model biz, right?'' Ryuji grinned.
She laughed a bit ''Well, that's the goal...don't know if I'm there yet. Does this mean you actually try to keep an eye on my work?''
''You don't gotta say it like that, I've been doing it ever since you got me to go with during those newer shoots. One of the articles I saw had a bunch of good things to say about you and it proves you're turning out to be a great model.''
Ann felt her face grow warm ''Thanks...you know, crazy as things are, they sure paid off big time and I'm glad they worked out this well. To have friends like you guys...''
''I hear ya. I don't think I could have found better friends, I'm glad we all got to know each other. And that we got to reconnect after our old school, it just feels so right.''
''Yeah...it's great.''
Both blondes sat back and took in the view, enjoying the moment for all it was worth. But most importantly, they were enjoying each other's company.
Soon enough, the Shujin and Kosei groups went back home to Japan, having spent some good and memorable times in Hawaii.
Sojiro and Futaba were both in Leblanc when Namine returned, welcoming her back.
''No chance you're going to ask how the trip was, huh Futaba?'' The first asked.
Namine looked amused, something about his tone tipped her off ''...You found out about the phone, didn't you?''
''Sure did.''
''I fell asleep and I forgot to switch my computer off.'' Futaba admitted grudgingly at his sideway smirk. ''I used was a program I wanted to test out anyway so no harm done.''
''Which is exactly why I let you off the hook.''
She pouted for a moment ''You're no fun, Sojiro.''
''Your definition of fun is beginning to make me worry sometimes.'' He deadpanned.
Namine looked from one to the other as her lips twitched. ''Only sometimes, Boss?''
''Hm, point...actually, make that all the time.''
''Hey!'' Futaba huffed but the two were clearly just having a little fun. ''Jeez...''
Namine muffled a yawn ''Ah, I planned to give you guys your presents soon but they're still packed in my travel bag...''
''Don't worry about it, looks like you've got jet lag. You should go rest up.'' Sojiro advised.
''Yeah, we can start catching up tomorrow anyway.'' Futaba added.
Morgana perked up when Namine entered the attic ''Oh, good to see you're back!''
She smiled ''Hey Mona, good to be back. That was a nice trip but the plane ride was a pain...I think it was over eight hours or something.''
''Yeesh, I'd hate to wait around like that.'' The cat grimaced, watching her step behind the blinds after picking up a change of clothes. ''Well, things were pretty calm around here, all things considered. I was thinking about how we should catch up and all but it can wait-you've got to be beat.''
Namine nodded ''Yeah, I know it's kind of early but I think I'll be calling it a day.''
''Got it, rest well.''
''Mm, thanks...''
And that's that!
Well, this wraps up the trip. I wanted to finish up here so I can get started on the rest of the arc from the next chapter. I hope this was good. The protest was an idea I got after hearing a few things lately...it's kind of hard to imagine everyone taking the stuff going on lying down and not doing a thing about it. I intend for it to be a kind of plot point later.
And now I've actually gotten 50 chapters done. Gotta admit, that feels nice. Especially given my sort of shaky beginning with this story-there was a lot I wasn't sure about at the time. Partly because I never actually played the game and all I know comes from Youtube videos and guides I found online. I really just started this because Persona 5 impressed me and I got a bunch of ideas I wanted to try out. It's been way more fun than I expected so while I did hit a few snags here. I'm aware that my writing is far from perfect, I still want to keep going and finish it. Hopefully I'll be able to get better along the way as well.
I've gotten around to sorting a few other things regarding my plans for this arc at least-though I did get a couple of interesting ideas for later down the line which I really want to try out. I even straightened things out for the most part regarding the P5R stuff. I say mostly because I think I can actually use Takuto and Jose well here, the one I'm still skeptic about including is Kasumi. I like her character and all and I watched the confidant, it's interesting and nice to see how it all turns out. And I did try to but I just doubt if I can work it all out for this story.
Hah...sorry, just needed to get that off, it was getting frustrating. Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up, till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 5)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 6)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 5)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 6)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 4)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 2)